If you previously had a Mach 460 system and now have a Shaker 500, how would you compare the sound quality of one vs the other? I’m not talking about the mechanical problems like the skipping (my 460 never did), but the actual sound the system produces?
Ford had said that the 500 was a big step forward in sound quality etc… do you find this to be the case?
I’ll be curious to hear your feedback (no pun intended).
Paul

 

I had a previous 94 GT with the Mach 460, and I have to say that sound quality was better 11 years ago in the system than it was in the Shaker now. The shaker 500 has good low bass sound, but when turned up above 60% sounds terrible (bass) and (mids). The Mach in my opinion was far better speaker wise I feel than the new Shaker 500. I personally would not have ordered it if it had not come with the premium package. I am in the process of replacing the speakers and then subs last, and adding an additional amplifier due to the lack of power I feel these 500 speakers have, Ford overrated them way too much, and I give it a BIG 2 :notnice: :notnice: !! Just my opinon though as I have always been picky about automobile stereos.

Matt

 

I had a Mach in my '94 Cobra and loved it. I can't say that it was substantially better (or worse) than the Shaker in my '05. I remember the 460 was substantially better tan any other stock stereo at the time. I do prefer the CD changer in the Shaker. I haven't honestly given it a real serious test because car stereos just aren't worth upgading IMO ( I have been known to be snobbish about home equipment though! ). If you are grading on pure sound I'd initially say the 460 was a little more to my liking, but not by much.

PS. if you want music in your GT, just turn the radio off and buy a full Bassani exhaust!

 

I think the sound quality is a touch better, considering it has some nicer door mounted subs....compared to the old system.

For a stock stereo, it kicks.
The 1000 is too much money for what you get, NOT worth it.
but all GTs in canada come with the Shaker500, and the other bonus' being the MP3 player etc... I love it way better than the Mach460

 

I test drove an 05 GT vert with the shaker 1000 and I didn't think it sounded any better than the Mach 460 in my 02 GT. The Mach 460 is the best factory stereo I've ever had - it's got strong bass, is loud, and it's crystal clear even at max volume. I found the Shaker 1000 to be over boosted on bass; I hope the Shaker 500 is as good or better than the Mach 460.

 

I have a Mach in my '96 cobra and the Shaker500 in the '05. The Shaker has a much better bass response, but I think it isn't quite as clear on the mid and high stuff. I honestly haven't messed around too much with it - so it may sound better with some tweaking. They are definitely close though.

 

Odd, the 500 and the 460 use the same high range drivers. I don't know about the amps yet.

 

I went from the 460 to the Shaker 1G and it is a huge improvement in quality. not just bass, but the overall sound is better. Its not alpine, but its pretty good!